KT Metal Castings Blogs

At their core, lost-wax casting and investment casting describe the same manufacturing method. The foundational process is identical: a sacrificial pattern, typically made of wax, is created in the exact shape of the desired object. This pattern is then coated with a refractory material, which hardens to form a one-piece,…

The main difference between investment casting and injection molding is that investment casting creates metal parts using a wax pattern and molten metal, while injection molding forms plastic parts by injecting molten plastic into a mold. Investment casting suits complex metal components; injection molding excels in high-volume plastic production. Investment…

The main difference between investment casting and metal 3D printing is how parts are formed. Investment casting creates metal parts by pouring molten metal into wax-based molds, while metal 3D printing builds parts layer-by-layer using digital designs. 3D printing offers faster prototyping and geometric freedom; casting delivers better surface finish…

The pattern for investment casting is typically made of wax, which is coated with a ceramic shell. For vacuum casting, the pattern is usually a master model created with stereolithography or CNC, used to make silicone molds for resin parts. Both processes rely on precision patterns to ensure accurate final…

Vacuum investment casting is a metal casting process that takes place in a vacuum chamber rather than in normal atmospheric conditions. This specialized technique combines traditional investment casting methods with vacuum technology to create metal parts with superior quality and fewer defects. The process removes air and gases from the…

A wax pattern in investment casting is a duplicate of the final metal part made from wax. This pattern is created using a die and serves as a model around which a ceramic shell is formed. Once the shell hardens, the wax is melted out, leaving a mold for molten…

Learn the key differences between die casting and investment casting processes. Compare costs, materials, and applications to choose the right method for your project.

Master 50+ investment casting terms used by industry experts.

Master the key differences between investment casting and HPDC. Compare processes, costs, and applications. Expert guide for engineers →

TL;DR Investment casting uses expendable molds to create precise metal parts, with four main types offering different advantages. The methods include: Ceramic Shell Investment Casting Ceramic shell investment casting represents the most common form of investment casting used today. This method centers on the construction of a robust ceramic shell…